Text only

ENG 243

I. TITLE: Fantasy, Myth, and Legend

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A study of universal themes such as Initiation and the Quest, archetypes and ambiguity, as well as the core ideas of fantasy, myth, and legend, in works from a variety of times and of western and non-western cultures.

III. PURPOSE: This course is designed to familiarize students with the literary traditions of fantastic literature, which includes fantasy, myth, legend, science fiction, magic realism, and similar areas of study. It will also expose students to concepts such as theme, archetype, and motif as they read and discuss major works in the genre from a wide variety of times and places. It will develop students’ abilities to critically analyze these works in order to understand the complexities of their own culture and psyche.

English 243 also cultivates the following “Characteristics of a Murray State Graduate”:

Characteristic 1: Engage in mature, independent thought and express that thought effectively in oral and written communication. English 243 will improve students’ ability to look beyond the superficial plot to the universal themes of world literature.

Characteristic 2: Understand critical methodologies academic disciplines employ. English 243 will help students understand a variety of critical approaches to literature.

Characteristic 3: Apply sound standards of analysis and evaluation. English 243 will develop students’ ability to analyze and compare literary works in fiction, poetry, and drama.

Characteristic 5: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the world’s historical, literary, philosophical and artistic traditions. English 243 will introduce students to a wide variety of works from around the world and from many different time periods.

Characteristic 6: Understand the dynamics of cultural diversity, or competing economic and political systems, and of complex moral and ethical issues. English 243 will introduce students to a variety of moral and ethical issues from around the world and from many different time periods.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completing this course, students should be able to

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamental concepts of “fantasy,” “myth,” “legend,” “theme,” “motif,” “archetype,” “initiation,” “quest,” “hero,” “literary ambiguity,” and many more;
• Apply the content of the course to other studies and their daily lives through a term project which requires them to demonstrate such application to the written word or other media;
• Analyze works of literature and to express such analyses (a)in writing--in clearly organized, convincingly developed essays; and (b)orally--in concise, thoughtful presentation;
• Apply an international perspective to works from around the world and from many time periods.

• Unit One (four weeks): Initiation
• Unit Two (four weeks): The Quest
• Unit Three (three-four weeks): The Devil Figure; Good and Evil
• Unit Four (three-four weeks): The Hero and Other Archetypes

B. Reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking: Reading assignments, research, essay questions on exams, term project, class discussion.

C. Use of computer technology: The World Wide Web is rich in sources in this area of knowledge, and students will be encouraged to explore internet resources. Students may also prepare interactive presentations in HTML rather than traditional papers, so long as the presentations meet the requirements of the term project.

VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: If an applicable play, film, or exhibit is available, the class may be assigned to see it. Otherwise, students may choose to include field and clinical experience in their term projects, but are not required to do so.

VIII. RESOURCES: The Murray State University Library (including audio and video holdings), the Calloway County Library, theaters on and off campus, network and cable television, radio, local video rental stores, Murray State Computer labs, e-mail, the web.

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES: At least 20% of the course grade will come from examinations; at least 20% from papers; at least 10% from oral presentations; and at least 10% from participation and quizzes. The evaluation of work will weigh the quality of insights, the kind and quality of evidence, and the clarity of the work as well as the level of correctness of presentation. Student writing will reflect the broad variety of web resources on this subject.

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend each class meeting. Their course grade will be lowered one third of a letter grade for each unexcused absence over 3. If for any reason students miss one fourth or more of the class meetings, they will not receive a passing grade for the course.

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: See the attached college and university policies.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES: The main readings for the course will be drawn from David J. Burrows, Frederick R. Lapides, and John Shawcross, Myths & Motifs in Literature (Macmillan) and The Harper Collins World Reader (2 vols.). These readings will be supplemented by a variety of western and non-western works chosen to illustrate the universal nature of literary myths, legends, and archetypes.

XIII. PREREQUISITES: ENG 101 and 102 or ENG 104 (or the equivalent).

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo